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The School of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) prepares professionals who support families and individuals in meeting their human needs in the context of lifespan development. Approximately 600 undergraduate and 60 graduate students are enrolled in FACS degree programs in the areas of Human Development and Family Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Fashion Merchandising. The programs are based on an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon the behavioral sciences, natura sciences, and the humanities. Students learn theories and their application to professions in nonprofit organizations, private practice, government, education, and business. All out-of-state students attending Northern Illinois University are able to enroll in all courses at in-state tuition rates.

Undergraduate Program in Human Development and Family Sciences (B.S.)

Students in the Human Development and Family Sciences (B.S.) program are prepared for a variety of family and child serving careers and/or future graduate study. Students may choose from three emphases including Family and Individual Development, Family Social Services or Child Development and may complete NCFR approved coursework needed for becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). Students in the Family Social Services emphasis may pursue coursework in preparation for taking the Illinois Child Welfare Licensing (CWEL) exam through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. Each emphasis provides students with real world experience through both practicums, internships and undergraduate research activities. Students enrolled in the Human Development and Family Sciences program may participate in both the local student NCFR and NAEYC affiliates.

Graduate Program in Human Development and Family Sciences (M.S.)

Master's graduates are prepared for advanced practice and professional leadership as well as pursuit of doctoral work. The M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences (AHDFS) provides professional career enhancement for programming and administration in family social services and child development settings in for-profit, community and governmental agencies as well as the foundation needed for graduate work at the doctoral level. Career settings include youth work, gerontology, child life programs in hospitals, infant and child care programs, family support services, family life, and parenting education programs. Students that enroll in AHDFS's COAMFTE accredited Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy are trained to become professional marriage and family therapists. Students that enroll in AHDFS's Specialization in Leadership in Aging Studies are trained for employment in applied settings including becoming licensed nursing home administrators. Many students in the AHDFS program receive financial support in the form of Graduate Assistantships.

The mission of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies is to address contemporary social issues that affect children, youth, adults, and families through high quality research, teaching, and outreach programs

Our program is characterized by:

A Focus on Significant Societal Issues. Our work could be described as "science with a social conscience." Faculty are interested in the most challenging basic scientific issues, but they are always asking how this information can be applied or how they can make a difference through prevention efforts, policy briefs, and/or community action. Illustrative topics include childhood obesity, intimate partner violence, emotional/behavioral regulation in young children, LGBT couples facing stressors/support in non-urban communities, among many others.

The Use of Advanced Methods in Unique Laboratory Facilities. Faculty and graduate students are engaged in developing and mastering the most sophisticated quantitative and qualitative methods available to social and behavioral scientists and to practicing these skills in state-of-the-art laboratories and our Family Resiliency Center.

Collaborative and Collegial Interactions. Our faculty work across disciplines, programs, methodologies and they work with colleagues across settings, departments and institutions. A transdisciplinary approach is being applied to address complex issues ranging from the physiological basis of language and emotion, the parenting experiences of fathers with children with developmental disabilities, cell-to-society approach to children's health, social mobility of low income households, and the internationalization of American universities.

Faculty with Major Scientific Leadership Roles. Our faculty are not only excellent research scholars and mentors, they are also leaders in the scientific community. They are recognized by their peers for awards and hold elective office. They regularly give invited lectures at major national meetings and universities across the world. They serve as editors of influential journals in the field.

The mission of the department is to provide integrative study of the human environment and systems that impact and strengthen individuals, family units, agencies, businesses, and the community at large. The faculty seek to prepare men and women to enter professions concerned with enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and the environment in which they function. Academic preparation involves the integration and application of knowledge and skills gained from family and consumer science courses as well as courses in a variety of other disciplines.

Areas of Study

Development (Child, Human, or Family) - Master's

Development (Child, Human, or Family) - Undergraduate

Family Science/Studies - Master's

Family Science/Studies - Undergraduate

CFLE Approved

Last Updated

September 24, 2012

The discipline of Family Science is vibrant and growing. Visit Family.Science to learn more.